Match Report

Played at La Bombonera, it was a disappointing first half for the most part. While the team managed to move the ball around and linked-up together, they only managed to find a goal through a Lionel MESSI penalty kick. Giovani LO CELSO got to a loose ball in the area and was taken down which resulted in the spot kick. The captain stepped up and while the Hatian goalkeeper got a hand to it, there was too much power behind the shot.

The second half started and once coach Jorge SAMPAOLI made a few substitutes, the goals started flowing more and more. Cristian PAVÓN came on for Ángel DI MARÍA, Sergio AGÜERO for Gonzalo HIGUAÍN and Maxi MEZA for Manuel LANZINI. Right before the changes, HIGUAÍN went passed his man and crossed the ball in to LO CELSO but his headed effort was parried away and landed to MESSI’s feet as MESSI got his second.

Minutes after coming on, PAVÓN had a lovely run on the wing, beat his marker and slid an assist to the world’s best player as MESSI completed his hat trick. About three minutes after that, AGÜERO got on the scoresheet. Maxi MEZA won the ball back and it got to MESSI who played Sergio AGÜERO in beautifuly with a lovely pass as Kun held his defender off and scored to make it 4-0 and complete Argentina’s victory.

Argentina coach Jorge SAMPAOLI made three other changes during the match, Marcos ROJO came on for Federico FAZIO, Éver BANEGA for Giovani LO CELSO and Marcos ACUÑA on for Nicolás TAGLIAFICO.

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